5 Mistakes When Starting an Alabama Business

It’s a part of starting a business in Alabama where you are very hopeful and optimistic about the success of your business, and suddenly you make a lethal mistake that brings your world crashing down.

The journey to starting a business is a rocky one, mistakes are encountered even at the start of your Alabama incorporation process, but this shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your main goal.

This guide is all about pointing out the common mistakes new entrepreneurs make when starting a business in Alabama. Take note and good luck!

Mistake 1) Forgetting To Comply With Alabama Business Tax and License Obligations

No matter the kind of business you engage in or the type of business structure you incorporate or the industry you’re in, your business licenses in Alabama as well as Alabama business taxes will always be a part of being officially recognized and compliant with the state.

Take time to sort out all your Alabama business taxes and business licenses to avoid getting in trouble with the IRS.

Mistake 2) Picking the Wrong Location for Your Alabama Business

Location, location, location! Do you know why this is a common enough mantra among entrepreneurs?

It’s because many businesses have folded up because of choosing the wrong location when starting a business in Alabama. The business has already failed even before it has gotten a head start. As a startup, you can use this Startup Savant guide to help you find the perfect Alabama business location.

Mistake 3) Writing a Poor Business Plan

Writing a poor business plan is as good as not writing a business plan at all.

Your business plan is your business’ plan, so what do you get out of a terrible and poorly drafted blueprint? Not knowing how to write a business plan is not an excuse to write a terrible one. You can use resources such as LivePlan to guide you on how to write a business plan.

Mistake 4) Choosing the Wrong Business Structure to Incorporate in Alabama

Choosing and incorporating the wrong business structure when forming a business in Alabama can be quite a crucial mistake that could greatly impact your business operations.

When incorporating in Alabama, the business structure you choose determines your taxes, the requirements you need to comply, and your opportunities for business growth. You can use this guide to weigh your options for the right business structure and use the guides given below to make it official.

Mistake 5) Hiring the Wrong Employees

For startup entrepreneurs, it is especially challenging to hire employees because let’s face it, they still can’t afford to provide competitive salaries as compared to more established businesses, but this shouldn’t be the reason to hire the wrong people.

When starting a business in Alabama, try to look for references and ask the right questions during the hiring process, so you can find an employee that will help your business be a success!

Conclusion and Moving Forward

Starting a business may be a rocky road what with all the ruts and holes you might have to pass through the entire journey, from learning how to start a business in Alabama to the Alabama incorporation process, but learning about the mistakes above and knowing how to circumvent it will immensely help. Make it a point to understand those mistakes, and you will be okay.

Liesha is a small business owner of 20 years, host of Startup Savant, the owner of a karate dojo in Maine, and creator of Work Mobly. During free time she's with her family and working on a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship.